An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NEWS | June 4, 2025

Alaska Army National Guard conducts MEDEVAC mission from Skagway to Juneau

By Dana Rosso Alaska National Guard Public Affairs

A UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to Alpha Company, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion, transported a patient from Skagway to Juneau June 3, following a medical evacuation request from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center.
 
The mission, flown by an Alaska Army National Guard aircrew based out of the Army Aviation Operating Facility in Juneau, involved a round-trip flight of approximately 140 miles.
 
Real-time coordination for the mission was provided by the AKRCC, which facilitated communication between emergency medical teams in Skagway and Juneau and relayed critical updates to Bartlett Regional Hospital, including the aircraft’s estimated time of arrival.
 
Two paramedics from Juneau’s Capital City Fire Department were aboard the aircraft to provide the patient with en route medical care.
 
“This mission is a great example of the partnership we have with the Juneau community,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Berg, Black Hawk pilot in command. “Flying with the paramedics allowed us to provide immediate care during transport and maximize the effectiveness of the response.”
 
The Black Hawk used in the mission has been stationed in Juneau since September 2024. The aircraft is equipped with internal and external auxiliary fuel tanks, enabling approximately four hours of flying time—critical for mission ins Southeast Alaska’s expansive and rugged terrain.
 
“Our UH-60 is equipped with extended range fuel tanks, which gave us the confidence to fly the full mission round-trip without stopping to refuel,” Berg added. “That capability is critical during time-sensitive medical emergencies, especially in remote communities around Southeast Alaska where traditional flight service is not always an option and there are no roads connecting communities.”
 
The Alaska Army National Guard frequently supports emergency response operations across the state in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, and local agencies like Capital City Fire Department.
 
Alaska Air National Guard conducts multiple hoist rescue of stranded rafters on Kichatna River
August 28, 2025
na

Alaska Air National Guard rescues individual with facial laceration near Knik Glacier
August 26, 2025
na

Leveling Up: Alaska Army Guard engineers rebuild observation posts during annual training 25'
August 19, 2025
na

Alaska Army National Guard aviators accomplish two rescue missions at the start of Alaska sheep hunting season
August 13, 2025
na

Alaska Army National Guard hosts multi-agency hoist symposium, expands partnerships, improves SAR coordination
July 29, 2025
The symposium, hosted by Alaska Army National Guard aviators assigned to Golf Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, included U.S. Coast Guard crews assigned to Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic out of Air Stations Kodiak and Sitka, Alaska Air National Guardsmen with the 176th Wing rescue squadrons, U.S. Army aviators from Fort Wainwright’s 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion, Alaska State Troopers, and civilian search and rescue professional volunteers from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group.

Alaska Air National Guard rescues climber trapped on cliff near Seward
July 28, 2025
AKANG

AKARNG aviation maintenance Soldiers conduct HH-60M Black Hawk repairs
July 23, 2025
na

AKNG COP manager leads charge on AI integration in disaster response
July 11, 2025
na

Alaska Army Guard aviators rescue family of 6, stranded on Kuskokwim River during summer storm
July 1, 2025
na

Diamond Strong: 176th Wing LRS Airman earns NGB first sergeant of the year honors
June 30, 2025
na